|
Lorraine
Lorraine is made up of four départements (counties): Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges.
The principal cities are : Metz and Nancy, with many other cities ideal for city breaks: Bar-le-Duc, Epinal, Lunéville...
Lorraine shares borders with Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg and as a result has a rich mixture of cultural influences. It has a diverse historical, architectural and cultural heritage, with several prestigious honours and outstanding buildings to its name and a number of treasures, some of which are relatively little known. World War I and II sites cover the region and here the bloodiest battle of World War I – The Battle of Verdun – occurred. Today this is a sight of pilgrimage for many who come to pay there respects to an area where many lives where lost.
The region is ideal for a sports based holiday. There are a wide range of sports available - on land, on its lakes or in the air. Within the region there are 700 kilometres of navigable waterway which are ideal for a boating holiday. You can try sailing, windsurfing or hire a motor boat to travel along this vast expanse of waterway.
Loraine is also well known for its spa towns and has some of the best spas in France. These are often set in one of the regions many endless forests, lakes or rivers settings. The forests, lakes, rivers, hills and dales provide a symphony of greens to backdrop any sights making sightseeing in this area take on a real meaning. Between the hilltops of the Vosges and the land of lakes, or the Argonne Forest and the vine-clad hillsides, Lorraine provides some seemingly endless vistas. Whilst its towns through their intimate atmosphere and eventful histories make whichever one you visit an a memorable experience.
|
|
|
|
Ski in France - Skiing in Lorraine
When Lorraine turns white, its name becomes synonymous with the Vosges Mountains. This is a convivial mountain range, on a scale that could scarcely be more human-friendly with every type of “sliding and gliding” sport available.
|
|
A Different Type of Thrill Seeker
Mother Nature will also enthral those of a more contemplative turn of mind who prefer to don snowshoes and set off, to see the wide range of scenery available in a mountain which can offer the experience of high-quality professionals e.g. ski instructors or qualified mountain guides ready to take you on some unusual outings, by day or night.
|
|
Mountain Views in Lorraine
Lorraine has two impressive mountain ranges; Argonne in Meuse and the Vosges. The region also boasts areas of lower hills, namely the Côtes de Meuse and Côtes de Toul which overlook a delightful landscape of vineyards and Mirabelle plum orchards.
|
|
|
|
Meurthe-et-Moselle in Lorraine
|
|
|
Family Attractions in Lorraine
There’s no time to be bored in Lorraine. With many recreational sites in the countryside or near major towns, there is plenty of choice if you’re looking for an unusual family outing.
|
|
River Cruising
In Lorraine, water has plenty to attract visitors. In addition to the trout streams and lakes in the hills of Vosges, there are lakes such as Madine, Le Stock, Mittersheim, Messein, Gondrexange and Le Lindre which is famous for the wide range of birds.
|
|
Food and Drink in Lorraine
Did you know that the Quiche is the most popular dish in France? But there’s a lot more to Lorraine's cuisine than quiche. And that means more than just Lorraine’s hotpot or “Potée”, even if that alone is a delight, especially in winter.
|
|
Health and Wellbeing
Lorraine’s spa towns provide twofold benefits – health and relaxation in high-quality natural surroundings. In Amnéville, the most recent of the spas, the water drawn from the natural spring 900m below ground level gushes out at temperatures of more than 41° C.
|
|
Gardens in Lorraine
Whether in the intimate atmosphere of the Callunes gardens on the slopes of the Vosges with their outstanding collection of heathers, the Berchigranges garden famous for its primroses or the parklands in spa towns, everybody will find something to satisfy their curiosity.
|
|
Golfing in Lorraine
Golfers of all levels will find a stimulating variety of playing conditions and landscaping on Lorraine's golf courses, with something for everyone. Lorraine boasts a collection of 16 quality golf courses that are constantly well maintained.
|
|
The Order of the Day
Several of Lorraine’s spa towns put the accent fairly and squarely on fitness but also attract visitors for their architecture. One such is Plombières-les-Bains, the “town of a thousand balconies”.
|
|
Cycling in Lorraine
Whatever your level of experience, a dense network of sign-posted paths along the hilltops of Vosges provides an easy way of getting close to a well-preserved natural environment full of flowers such as lilies, orchids, digitalis, arnica and sundew or unexpected wildlife such as mountain goats.
|
|
Discover Lorraine
The natural environment is Lorraine’s trump card but the variety of landscapes is just one ingredient. Even more important is the quality and sheer density of natural beauty spots. There are three regional country parks lying wholly or partly within Lorraine.
|
|
Renaissance Villages
You have to leave the towns and their treasures, if you want to discover another more rural but equally diverse side to Lorraine.
|
|
Gothic Architecture
Gothic architecture blossomed in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Metz which, with its richly decorated West Front, Bishops’ Chapel and cloister, is considered as one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind in France.
|
|
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Lorraine has been subjected to attack by Julius Caesar, Charles the Bold, Charles V and Louis XIII. As a result, its historic buildings boast a wide range of architectural styles. The architecture also reflects the many different types of building and a succession of periods of history.
|
|
Lorraine's Heritage
In the depths of the countryside and in the most elegant of its towns, Lorraine boasts a wide-ranging heritage. The influence of various sovereigns has left its mark for ever on the unbelievably diverse architecture.
|
|
The Hillsides of Hattonchâtel
Located in the Côtes de Meuse area, Hattonchâtel is one of the most beautiful villages in the region. The reredos in the chapel is said to have been carved by Ligier Richier, one of the most prestigious sculptors of the Renaissance.
|
|
History in Lorraine
The Ancient Romans settled here for some considerable time. Bishoprics developed. Some of the Dukes of Lorraine showed a love of art and architecture. One of them, Stanislaw, was even a sovereign in his own right – and there was nobody more interested in buildings.
|
|
Stanislaw the Builder-King
Lorraine’s 18th-Century architecture owes much to Stanislaw, the King of Poland who became Duke of Lorraine. Nancy’s outstanding architecture has received worldwide acclaim and regained all the dazzling glory of days gone by.
|
|
|
Not to be missed in Lorraine
Bordered by the three countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, Lorraine is a strategic region which today exudes a peaceful charm. There is no shortage of reasons to explore it. For lovers of architecture and the arts, Mirecourt, Bar-le-Duc and Epinal possess many wonders. Enthusiasts for footpaths, will find routes dotted with lakes, forests and green valleys in the Lorraine Regional Park. Another excellent reason to come is for its springs and to stay in one of the well-known spa establishments in Contrexéville or Vittel, where the gastronomy is not to be outdone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francophiles Exploring France
Accompanied cultural luxury coach tours to regions of France
|
|
Cycling for Softies/Cycling for Gourmets
Live as gypsies by day and kings by night. Cycling for Softies offers luxurious, independent holidays in rural France. Hotels are chosen for comfort, character, friendliness and, most importantly, the gourmet menus! susi@cycling-for-softies.co.uk
|
|
Watersports Holiday Properties in France
Find Self Catering Holiday Properties and Gites in France for your Watersports Holiday.
|
|
Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
Ramblers Worldwide Holidays - is Britain’s longest established walking holiday company with a 60 plus year pedigree.We offer an unrivalled choice of holidays spanning over 250 destinations in 90 countries including the UK and France
|
|
Drive Alive Holidays - self drive holidays in France
Drive Alive invites independent motorists to plan their driving holiday online. Take your car and use our holiday planner to book your hotels or self-catering accommodation. Choose and book your ferry crossing or Eurotunnel at low prices.
|
|
Bonjour La France
France Travel, Trains, Airports, Shuttles, Paris, information, timetables, maps, FAQ, reservations
|
More Holiday Options ...
Find hotel / b&b accommodation in Lorraine
|